Thermoplastic materials are hard to tell apart maybe because they almost always look and feel the same. To give a simple answer to the popular question, ‘Are HDPE and PVC the same?’ we would say no! Polyvinyl chloride, popularly known as PVC and HDPE, is not the same. Although they are both plastics, they have different chemical compositions, uses, and properties. So what’s the difference?
HDPE
High-density polyethylene is made from ethylene monomers. Compared to PVC, it is flexible and highly impact-resistant. How much temperature can they withstand? Up to 120 degrees Celsius. Worried about the environment? HDPE should be your go-to. They are commonly used to make containers and gas pipes.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride contains 57% chloride, which is why it releases toxins when it’s burned. It’s not environmentally friendly, but it is super strong and can withstand high temperatures, up to 60 degrees Celsius. They are used for plumbing materials, frames, and electrical tubes.
Why HDPE Stands Out?
HDPE continues to be the go-to for many industries.
- Lightweight but Strong– HDPE is known as a super strong plastic; some may even say it is indestructible.
- Impact Resistant- HDPE is highly impact-resistant; it can absorb high amounts of shock, so you don’t have to worry about dropping it.
- Lasts a lifetime– Not really, but they are resistant to wear and tear, so it won’t be pushing it if you expect them to last over a decade.
- Corrosion Resistance- Compared to plastics and other metals, HDPE is able to withstand a lot of chemicals, like acids and bases.
- Not Harmful to the environment- Compared to other plastics, HDPE releases fewer toxins during the manufacturing process and when it is been burned. It can be recycled to create plastic lumber and kids’ playground equipment. Yes, they can withstand all the jumping and swinging.
Uses of HDPE
Most of your food containers, packaging materials, and chemical storage tanks are made from HDPE. They are safe to use and easy to mold. Their light weight nature makes it easy to transport.
At Plastic Warehouse https://plasticwarehouse.com.au/, we provide a wide range of HDPE, from rods to boat boards and sheets. Regardless of what you need an HDPE for, we are sure you’ll find an option in our catalog.
